Anna Karenina · Character

Mademoiselle Varenka

The gentle, self-sacrificing companion of Madame Stahl, whom Kitty befriends at a German spa.

minor

Also known as Varenka

First appearance: part ii xxi

Mademoiselle Varenka shows up with force in The Crystallization of Society. The page is where that presence becomes real.

Described as selfless, constantly busy caring for the sick, including Madame Stahl.

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In The Crystallization of Society: Described as selfless, constantly busy caring for the sick, including Madame Stahl. Seen by Kitty as a 'fine flower' past its bloom, unattractive to men but possessing a dignified…

Later, in Kitty's Admiration and the Princess's Inquiry: Intervenes to calm Levin during his argument with the doctor. She is revealed to have been raised by Madame Stahl. She meets Kitty and the princess with a gentle, truthful demeanor.

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See Mademoiselle Varenka in part ii xxi

Character Web

20 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Levin's Social & Family Circle
Wider Society & Minor Characters

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

Levin reaches an emotional and intellectual crisis where his abstract, fearful understanding of death is shatt…

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In the story

Mademoiselle Varenka appears across 12 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Crystallization of Society
Described as selfless, constantly busy caring for the sick, including Madame Stahl. Seen by Kitty as a 'fine flower' past its bloom, unattractive to men but possessing a dignified purpose.
Kitty's Admiration and the Princess's Inquiry
Intervenes to calm Levin during his argument with the doctor. She is revealed to have been raised by Madame Stahl. She meets Kitty and the princess with a gentle, truthful demeanor.
Varenka's Past and Kitty's Admiration
Reveals her past love story where the man obeyed his mother and married another; displays remarkable tranquility, humility, and a sense that there are 'more important' things in life than romantic disappointment.
Kitty's Spiritual Awakening and Doubt
Serves as Kitty's model of Christian self-sacrifice and nobility, introducing her to charitable work and the story of Madame Stahl's life.
The Prince's Perspective
Presented as 'angel number one,' she is natural and unshy with the prince, who likes her despite his general skepticism.
Kitty's Crisis of Conscience
The target of Kitty's outburst; tries to soothe her and reveals the Petrovs' quarrel was partly about Kitty's presence. Accepts Kitty's apology.
I
Visiting Kitty; blushes when Sergey Ivanovitch asks to join the mushroom expedition, indicating her awareness of his attention.
II
Discussed as the ideal potential match for Sergey Ivanovitch, noted for her simplicity and restful nature.
A Walk and a Conversation
The subject of Kitty's hopes for a proposal from Sergey Ivanovitch. Levin observes that she is 'altogether spiritual,' which might make her compatible with his brother's nature.
IV
Appears attractive and excited, caring for the children while aware of the potential declaration from Sergey Ivanovitch. Her demeanor and qualities are the focal point of his reflections.
V
Anticipates Koznishev's proposal with joy and panic. Feels a mix of soreness, shame, and relief when the moment passes without him speaking his heart.
VI
Busies herself with household tasks like supper, maintaining a 'sainte nitouche' air that Levin finds hateful, knowing she is thinking of marriage.

Chapter companion notes

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See Mademoiselle Varenka in part ii xxi

See Mademoiselle Varenka in The Crystallization of Society